Writers group

Because of its past successes, The Nuffield Theatre Writers’ Group has a growing national reputation with people seeking places from as far afield as North London and even Cambridge.

The group is led by run by the theatre’s Script Executive John Burgess, a freelance director best known for his work with new playwrights. He worked for many years at the National Theatre, where he founded the NT Studio – the theatre’s experimental wing - with Peter Gill, and was Head of New Writing 1989 -1994. Commenting on the course, John explains: “It is important to me that the writers find their own individual voice whilst at the same time assimilating the basic techniques of writing for the stage. We have been very lucky so far with the people who have wanted to apply. It’s been a pleasure to watch them grow in confidence from month to month.”

Former members of the Writers’ Group have had plays performed at venues such as The Nuffield itself, the National Theatre, in the West End, the Soho Theatre, the Arcola, Birmingham Rep, Plymouth Theatre Royal, on BBC Radio 4 and on national tours. Success stories include Kate Betts, who beat off competition from 2000 entrants to become the winner of Channel 4’s The Play’s the Thing (televised in June 2006). Kate’s winning play On the Third Day was produced by West End producer Sonia Friedman at The New Ambassadors Theatre in London’s West End: “The Nuffield Theatre Writers’ Group has been an inspiration and a success for me as a playwright. Writing in the environment of The Nuffield Theatre was like being a chef clutching a book of recipes in a well-equipped kitchen filled with endless supplies of food, pots, pans, knives, blenders and mixers - with John Burgess as Head Chef. If you want to make something fantastic, this is the place to do it!”

Deborah Gearing left the group in 2002 and now makes her living as a professional playwright. Her first play BURN, written as a graduation exercise, opened in the National Theatre’s Cottesloe auditorium to five star reviews:“My time with The Nuffield Theatre Writers Group proved to be a turning point for me. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet with other writers and explore what writing for theatre can be. John Burgess’ expertise, rigorous criticism and passion for writing made sessions thought-provoking, challenging and sometimes indelible experiences - and we had a lot of laughs too!”

The writers group runs for two years and we are now closed for applications until Autumn 2011 (for 2012/13).